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Accident – Death – Obituary News : **Investigative Reporter Catherine Herridge Held in Contempt by Federal Judge in Washington**
In a recent development in Washington, veteran investigative reporter Catherine Herridge has been held in civil contempt by a federal judge for refusing to disclose her source for a series of Fox News stories. The stories in question revolved around a Chinese American scientist who was investigated by the FBI but never faced charges.
**Judge Imposes Fine for Refusing to Reveal Source**
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper imposed a fine of $800 per day on Herridge until she reveals her source, although the fine will not be enforced immediately to allow for an appeal. Cooper highlighted the importance of a free press in society but also emphasized the court’s role in upholding the law and judicial authority.
**Media Advocates Express Concern**
Media advocates have closely monitored the case, expressing concern that compelling journalists to reveal confidential sources could deter individuals from providing information that exposes government misconduct. Fox News, where Herridge previously worked, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of protecting press rights and freedom of speech.
**The Source Sought by Yanpin Chen**
The source Herridge is protecting is being sought by Yanpin Chen, who filed a lawsuit against the government over the leak of details regarding a federal probe into her statements on immigration forms related to work on a Chinese astronaut program.
**Background on Herridge’s Investigative Series**
Herridge, who was recently laid off by CBS News, published an investigative series for Fox News in 2017 that delved into Chen’s connections to the Chinese military. The series raised questions about whether the scientist was using a professional school she founded in Virginia to gather information about American servicemembers for the Chinese government.
**Legal Battle Over Source Disclosure**
The legal battle escalated when Herridge was ordered to answer questions about her sources in a deposition with Chen’s lawyers. Despite being interviewed under oath, Herridge declined to reveal her sources, citing her First Amendment rights and the potential national security implications of disclosing the identities.
**Rare Instances of Journalists Being Forced to Disclose Sources**
Cases where journalists are compelled to divulge their sources are rare but have occurred in Privacy Act lawsuits like the one brought by Chen. Past settlements with the Justice Department have sometimes resulted in hefty financial compensations being paid out instead of journalists revealing their sources.
Overall, the case involving Catherine Herridge has sparked discussions about the delicate balance between press freedom, source protection, and the legal obligations of journalists in investigative reporting..